Phillip T. “Biff” Farrar has announced his candidacy for re-election to a 9th District seat on Bedford County Board of Commissioners as an independent candidate.  

The general election in Bedford County is Aug. 4. Early voting runs through July 30.  

Farrar said that his commitment to public office is to ensure economic growth in Shelbyville and Bedford County within the constraints of law and available funds. 

“We need growth, but we should respect historical structures and individual rights. I ask for your support and vote on election day.”  

He added, “During the last 4 years the Board of Commission funded Cartwright Elementary School and the CTE wing for Community High School. From [the]general fund, we promoted economic development through County and City partnership to expand our Industrial Park and buy land for the TCAT Center. From the American Rescue Plan Act grants . . . E-911 county-wide radio upgrade and rural broadband expansion with United Telephone Communication.”  

Farrar said during his last term, funding was also approved for the Industrial Park sewer and water and the Union Ridge water project. He said the County moved fee offices to the Court House Annex and our courthouse renovation was finished by Rock City Construction Co.  

“During the past 4 years, I have asked questions and listened to all constituents. The future of Bedford County is in our hands and we need to be involved in local government.”  

Farrar is chairman of the rules and legislative committee and has served on the Agriculture Extension Service committee. He’s also served on Bedford County Nursing Home Board and as chair of Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Center. He’s attended numerous training sessions taught by the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service.  

Farrar is a retired teacher and administrator, teaching social studies at Shelbyville Central High and at Community High. He’s served as principal of Moore County High School and vocational director and assistant principal of Bedford County Vocational Center.  

The commissioner is also a Flat Creek farmer, raising Limousin cattle and planting a 12-row garden. He is a member of Tennessee Cattleman’s Association and the North American Limousin Foundation.  

Farrar was a sergeant with the Tennessee Army National Guard, serving 9 years. Farrar is also a member of American Legion Post 43, Bedford County Historical Society, River Bend Country Club and Shelbyville Benevolent Lodge #122, as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.  

He has been married 52 years to the former Betty Lamborn of Tullahoma; they attend First United Methodist Shelbyville, where he’s been a member for 61 years. Farrar follows the University of Tennessee football team; he’s been a Tennessee fund member since 1996.  

He said he proudly supports the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center and the Good Samaritan. He’s also a supporter of Friends of the Library, Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, Salvation Army and the Red Cross.